Hi All!

I've received so many requests for information on how I gained hours as
a volunteer BF Specialist that I thought it a worthy topic to address to
the lactnet list at large.  This seems to be a current thread anyway, so
I hope all find it appropriate to post.

I approached my local hospital 3 years ago, and became friendly with the
nurse manager for the OB/GYN unit.  I filled her in on my long term
goals for IBLCE, how I was then doing alot of self study at home.  It
just so happened that she offered me the opportunity to speak at
prenatal classes on breastfeeding...that's how it all got started.  When
I spoke, I did a good job.  I'm an enthusiastic speaker, and gave a good
presentation.  I asked the hospital for nothing, I even provided
handouts and purchased charts, videos at my own expense.  I felt that
this was my "college education" and equivalent to purchasing books and
tuition.

Somehow, I can't remember how, WIC found out and then approached me to
"help out" with their BF promotions, I began doing their BF support
group in rotation with LLL leaders.  It was apparent to me right from
the start that this hospital needed someone dedicated to helping the
moms.  I guess you can say I'm bold.  I arranged a meeting at my home
with the WIC Director and the nurse manager to try to get a joint BF
Promotion program going.  To make a longer story short, I wrote to the
nurse manager, had a couple more meetings with her letting her know how
valuable my services would be as a volunteer (working primarily with low
income population in this town, kind of WIC liasion) and basically
pumped myself up.  But I always gave a presented myself professionally,
in dress, correspondence, etc.  I was brought on board...what a great
experience.  I always backed up my work with the literature, etc. and
became very respected.

The BF support group, Nursing Mothers of Niagara became a branch off the
volunteering.  I could then see the mothers at the hospital too, and
they could see each other!  (I was already doing home visits and
complete telephone follow-up, ad infinitum...I've been busy!)  Although
I purchase everything for the group, books, pamphlets, etc. the hospital
provides the room and snacks.  This too, I see as my "LC college
education".  I do all my own promo...meeting notices, brochures,
newspaper ads, etc.  I work in conjunction with local doc's by sending
reports, etc.

Another brainstorm I had back in 93' was to develop a prenatal bf
questionnaire, whereby moms get assistance in prenatal period, at baby's
birth (in person) and following with complete postpartum follow-up.  I
developed and implemented the questionnaire with the help of the nurse
practitioner at a local OB/GYN's, she was very suportive.  It's been in
place ever since and I've been able to help many, many women and their
babies.  I've shared the questionnaire with others, including the local
wic office and they find it helpful too.  Assesses mom's current level
of knowledge and support, her questions and needs, etc.

Opened my rental station in 93 too, and added more private LC work in 95
when I completed the Breastfeeding SU.... Con........ LC course.

The bottom line is I read, read, read, worked, worked worked with a
fever.  In question to what I've called myself, it's been "Breastfeeding
Specialist".  This is what the IBLCE suggested I might use when I placed
a call to them.  I also wrote a bf booklet for the hospital and now
write a quarterly newsletter for nursing moms.  No, I don't have
insurace and I know that would bother many (including me sometimes),
but as a volunteer I do fall under the hospital's blanket policy as I'm
legit. NOthing is guaranteed, but I chart everything I do and apply all
the couseling skills I learned in above mentioned course.  I use a great
contact management program which helps me keep track of contacts, pump
rentals, etc.

Sorry so long, I hope this helps!  YOU CAN DO IT!  Put yourself out,
always in a professional manner.  I also have had speaking engagements,
even to nursing students.  And I'm not from a medical background.
Please feel free to e-mail me again or address on lactnet for further
info.

Warmly,

Wendy Lee REddy